Chapter 79: Unusual Guests

Chapter 79: Unusual Guests

Sorry for the late release.

2 chapters are being released today!

The next free chapter will be in 2 weeks time. advance chapters will also continue by then.

Thanks for the co-operation!

While experiencing their second polar night since arriving in this world, they continued their journey towards Lyadas. There were not many monsters in this area, as they did not encounter them frequently, unlike when they were in the Amneri Great Forest.

Both were initially excited during their first experience of moving through the darkness illuminated only by moonlight, but now

"It's quite boring, isn't it?" (Ai)

"Yeah, really boring." (Tatsuro)

Without any stimulation, Ai spent hours gazing at the carriage's dark scenery. Currently, she had her head resting on Tatsuro's lap. On the other hand, Tatsuro was having fun poking, stretching, and petting Ai's cheek as she lay there.

They changed positions, with Ai sitting on Tatsuro's lap, facing each other, and engaging in playful gestures. It was as if they were enjoying the idle time so much that you might think, "Are you guys really that bored?" Just as they were engrossed in their activities, Cardina alerted them to be cautious.

{Ai.} (Tatsuro)

{Yeah.} (Ai)

With just the mention of her name, Tatsuro established a telepathic connection. He removed his staff and intervened in Cardina's detection magic to assess the situation. On the other hand, Ai got up from Tatsuro's lap, wielding a whip and a jewel-encrusted sword that gleamed with vivid colors.

"Is someone being chased by others? This could be troublesome." (Ai)

"Jeanne! Move off the road and stop at a distance!" (Tatsuro)

"Neigh!" (Jeanne)

Following Tatsuro's command, Jeanne veered to the left and stopped at a location nearly a hundred meters away from the road. Along the way, Tatsuro set up traps and used dark magic to conceal the carriage and Jeanne, making them practically invisible from a casual glance on the road.

"This time, it might not be monsters, right?" (Ai)

"Yeah, it looks like someone is being chased. If it's troublesome, I'd rather not get involved." (Tatsuro)

"Okay." (Ai)

Speaking in hushed tones, they also instructed Cardina and Jeanne to stay quiet. They waited for about a minute until the individuals in question appeared.

First, they saw a man and two women dressed like adventurers. Following them were about twenty rough-looking, armed individuals who appeared to be pursuing them.

"Judging by their expressions, it doesn't seem like they're chasing criminals or anything." (Ai)

The ones fleeing had desperate expressions, while those giving chase wore lewd smiles. From what they could see, it was a clear situation of victims and aggressors.

"So, we don't want to get on the bad side of these thieves again, but what do you think, Ai?" (Tatsuro)

"I don't want to imagine what will happen to those women if they get caught" (Ai)

"That's true. We've already earned their ire once; a second or third time won't make much difference." (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, let's help them!" (Ai)

Tatsuro triggered the prepared devices, using detection magic to pinpoint their positions accurately. He activated them at the right moment, releasing compressed fireballs buried in the earth through earth magic at the heart of the group of thieves behind the adventurers. Large fireballs began to appear in the vicinity.

"That's true" (Tatsuro)

With just the three of them traveling, they might encounter the group that had attacked them earlier if they headed to Lyadas, and there was a high chance that the thieves' comrades were waiting if they went toward the direction from which they had come. Leaving them alone at this point seemed like looking the other way.

However, even though the possibility was low, Tatsuro could not rule out the chance that this was all part of the thieves' act and these three might be their accomplices.

The issue now was how to handle the situation.

"Is it not possible?"

"Let me think about it a bit more." (Tatsuro)

"Okay!"

The woman responded energetically, realizing that it was not a complete rejection.

"Should we help them?" (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, we don't have to be best buddies, but if we keep a reasonable distance, it should be fine." (Ai)

"That's true, but if we decide to take the three of them with us, it's either we load them onto our cart, or we all walk to Lyadas. Is that okay?" (Tatsuro)

"I really don't want to walk, but fitting five people into that cart" (Tatsuro)

They could use the individual compartments, but those were essentially private rooms for the two of them. They preferred not to have others inside. That left the coachman's seat, but entrusting it entirely to someone else made them uneasy. Additionally, Jeanne only followed Tatsuro's instructions, or those given by Ai, when Tatsuro fully trusted her. Therefore, that option was also ruled out.

Walking was not preferable, and seating them in the existing compartments could have been better. With no other choice, there was only one option left.

"Shall we create seats on the roof?" (Tatsuro)

"That's where Cardina's special seat used to be, right?" (Ai)

"Well, we can have them sit on our laps there." (Tatsuro)

"Jeanne might get jealous." (Ai)

"We'll spoil her later." (Tatsuro)

"Sounds good." (Ai)

With the decision made, the next step was to modify the rhino cart. They began by bringing out additional iron ingots and attaching a ladder to access the roof. They installed seats for the three newcomers and added railings around the roof to prevent any accidents.

Next, while checking the ladder's strength as they climbed, they detached Cardina's seat and put it into their [Item Box]. They then connected it to the opening in the roof that led to the private compartments, ensuring it would not open during the journey.

"Is this all right?" (Tatsuro)

"Just to be safe, it might be a good idea to have a bar to hold onto while sitting, don't you think?" (Ai)

"Good idea, let's do that." (Tatsuro)

Incorporating Ai's suggestion, they added a long bar horizontally to the railing, which passengers could grasp while sitting.

"It's perfect." (Tatsuro)

"It sure is." (Ai)

After completing the modifications and ensuring there were no issues using dispel magic to analyze the altered areas, they re-summoned Jeanne and connected her to the cart. Finally, they decided it was time to speak with the three waiting individuals.